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News

Earth Fare began liquidating assets at its 50 locations nationwide in early February. The Lakewood Ranch store closed Feb. 24.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 25, 2020
Wish list for Earth Fare space in Lakewood Ranch

East County shoppers hope for another specialty grocer at The Green.

  • East County
  • News
Beth Peace has been working at Peach's Restaurant for 16 years. As a result of the restaurant closing due to the coronavirus, Peace has lost her job.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 25, 2020
Lakewood Ranch-area employees out of service

'It's day-by-day' for employees affected by business closures in Lakewood Ranch area

  • East County
  • News
Karen Medford, who owns Sirius Day Spas in Lakewood Ranch and University Park, worries about the effect the coronavirus will have on her out-of-work employees.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 25, 2020
Local Lakewood Ranch area businesses search for answers during COVID-19 threat

COVID-19 leaves Lakewood Ranch businesses searching for answers.

  • East County
  • News
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee President and CEO Maribeth Phillips says the greatest need her organization has is for donations of food or money. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 25, 2020
Food demands rise in Manatee County

Meals on Wheels Plus seeks community support to meet the growing need.

  • East County
  • News
Pre-kindergartners Teddy Page, Morgan Drackett and Elise Serrano write letters and draw pictures. More children will have access to early education at the new Primrose School. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 25, 2020
Primrose Schools to expand in Lakewood Ranch

Primrose Schools to expand in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
Although amenities such as playgrounds will be closed, open park space will remain open and accessible to the public.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2020
County, city to shut down park amenities

Sarasota County and the city of Sarasota are closing playgrounds and athletic courts Wednesday as part of an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nine confirmed COVID-19 patients remain hospitalized at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2020
COVID-19 patient dies at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Reports state the patient was Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally, the first reported Sarasota County death linked to the coronavirus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The event will be held outside the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 24, 2020
Coronavirus testing site to open in Manatee County

Patients will need a prescription to participate.

  • East County
  • News
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium hopes to open its new aquarium facility in Nathan Benderson Park by 2023.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2020
County, Mote to execute lease agreement for aquarium site

The County Commission voted unanimously to advance a land-use deal with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for property in Nathan Benderson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Commission Chairwoman Betsy Benac and her fellow Manatee County commissioners extended the county's "state of local emergency."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 24, 2020
Manatee County expected to get 'drive-thru' COVID-19 testing this week

Manatee County commissioners extend 'state of local emergency' due to coronavirus.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 23, 2020
Longboat Key organizations pull together volunteers to help during pandemic

Several of the town's organizations are calling on volunteers to help with daily life.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
About 20 or so people attended the Longboat Key statutory meeting on Monday, March 23, 2020. Town staff did its best to space out the chairs to practice appropriate social distancing amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 23, 2020
Longboat's new commission OKs emergency resolution

The Longboat Key Town Commission is planning to meet electronically on April 6.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A restoration project at Five Points Park is scheduled to begin later this week.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 23, 2020
City to close Five Points Park for repairs

The city announced the closure of the downtown park as a measure designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 via pedestrian activity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 22, 2020
Member of Temple Beth Israel tests positive for COVID-19

The member has been admitted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 21, 2020
Longboat closes Public Tennis Center over COVID-19 concerns

Recreational facilities of Bayfront Park also closed, town says

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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